The Emir of Ilorin and chairman, Kwara State Traditional Rulers’ Council, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari has officially turbaned the 2023 governorship candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) in Kwara state, Alhaji Yakubu Olayiwola Gobir, as the 10th Sarkin Gobir of the Ilorin Emirate.
The Emir, while performing the turbaning ceremony on Friday, urged the new titleholder to uphold virtues of selflessness, integrity, and community service that earned him the traditional title.
The monarch described Alhaji Yakubu Gobir, who also holds the title of Madawaki of Ilorin, as a man dedicated to the welfare of his people.
“Alhaji Yakubu Gobir is a true son of Ilorin, and I am proud of him. He has consistently demonstrated a commitment to community development and the upliftment of the less privileged. With this new role, you must unite the Gobir clan and continue to promote the rich cultural heritage of this Emirate. May Almighty Allah guide you aright”, he said.
Following the turbaning ceremony, Alhaji Yakubu Gobir rode on horseback in a procession to the Emir’s Palace, accompanied by a large crowd of well-wishers. The colourful display of Ilorin’s rich cultural heritage reaffirmed the deep-rooted traditions of the emirate.
Later in the day, a prayer session was organized in honour of the new Sarkin Gobir at his family compound. The prayer service was led by the Chief Imam of Gambari, Sheikh Suleiman AbdulAzeez, who prayed for wisdom, strength, and divine guidance for the new traditional leader as he assumes his new role.
He said that the event confirmed Alhaji Yakubu Gobir’s status as a key figure in Ilorin’s traditional leadership, tasked with the responsibility of fostering unity within the Gobir clan and advancing the Emirate’s cultural legacy.
Among personalities, who graced the occasion was former Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly and former member, House of Representatives, Professor Hon. Ali Ahmad (SAN), who described the newly turbaned Sarkin Gobir as a distinguished cultural leader and devout Muslim.
“He deserves this honour due to his proven pedigree, character, and hard work. Now, with both a traditional and honorary title, I congratulate him on this milestone”, he said.
The turbaning ceremony attracted several dignitaries from within and beyond Kwara State, including Hon. Moshood Mustapha (Wakilin Ngeri), Dr. Alimi AbdulRazaq (elder brother of the Kwara State Governor and Mutawali Ngeri of Ilorin), Alhaji Abubakar Sulu-Gambari (Chiroma of Ilorin), Senator Abdullahi Gobir (Sokoto State), Alhaji Abdulkadir Attahiru Adamu Manko (Chairman, HAM Foundation), Professor Aisha Gobir, Professor Olaolu Ali (SAN), Hon. Ganiyu Cook Olododo (Mai Gaskiya Ilorin), Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo-Kawu (Kwara State Commissioner for Education), Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim (Sarkin Hausawa of Kwara State), Alhaji Lukman Mustapha (Chairman, Board of Directors, Sobi FM), Professor Suleiman Abubakar Amana, and Alhaji Tajudeen AbdulKadir (The Makama of Lafiaji), among others.
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